Virginia Craft Brewers Represent in UK’s Largest Beer Festival

Five Virginia craft brewers were on-hand to represent Virginia in the United Kingdom’s biggest craft beer festival, Craft Beer Rising, at the Old Truman Brewery in London on February 22nd thru 24th. This three-day event hosted more than 175 breweries and 12,000 beer lovers from around the world, and these five breweries were there to let the world know Virginia craft beer ranks with the best.

The “Virginia is for Craft Beer Lovers”-themed booth space was provided to the Virginia breweries by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) Office of International Marketing. According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture Virginia is currently home to over 240 craft breweries, a 550% increase since 2012, and the number is still growing.

The UK is the second largest importer of American beer, accounting for about 10% of beer exports. The VDACS believes that by giving Virginia craft brewers who have the production capacity, creativity, and interest in expanding sales into foreign markets the opportunity this type of exposure, it will open up those markets to those breweries. Currently both Licking Hole Creek and Hardywood Park are being distributed in the UK, but after this festival, there could be a lot more interest overseas in what’s brewing in Virginia.

Sample more than 25 different craft beers, dig into some amazing BBQ, and listen as some of the best Blues musicians in Hampton Roads take the stage at Riverwalk Landing. This year’s Blues, Brews & BBQ promises to be the best yet!

Ticket includes beer glass and unlimited tastes of beer.

At 12:30, The Jukes will deliver an entertaining performance steeped in swing, boogie, and down-home blues. Then, at 3:30, the Michael Clark Band will take the mic to blend the Blues with a little soul, rock, jazz and fun.

NEW this year – a wine garden included in admission. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 at the door.

The longest running beer festival in Virginia–the ‘Of Ale and History’ Beer Festival now in its 23rd year! Featuring live music from Cazhmiere and The Robbie Limon Band, 60+ beers, local food and merchandise vendors. This is a rain or shine event but feel free to bring your own chairs and pop-up tents. Please do not bring pets, coolers, outside food or drink. And don’t forget your ID!

Advanced tasting tickets are $25 and are available now online. The tasting ticket includes a souvenir glass and eight tastings.

There will be over 18 breweries present with more than 44 awesome craft brews on tap! All beers will be paired with gourmet cheese specially selected by Culpeper Cheese Company.There will also be great local food trucks and awesome live bands playing throughout the day!